Senior management changes at Turner

Two key people in the form of Pradeep Hejmadi, Turner's Research Director and Nikhil Mirchandani, Executive Director, Strategic Marketing, Cartoon Network and POGO have recently quit the channel. While Hejmadi has joined the rival channel, Nick as Director, Business and Operations, Mirchandani settles as Head, Ad sales for National Geographic and History Channel.

Is the departure of two key people a cause of concern for Turner (India)? “'With the industry growing at the rate it is, there is bound to be movement among executives,” replies Anshuman Misra, Managing Director, Turner International India, “However, with the company continuing on its path of growth and success, the year has already seen many recruitments, including key appointments of Monica Tata and Vivek Krishnani, and will see many more.”

To put things in perspective, Vivek Krishnani has been appointed as Director, Marketing, Cartoon Network & POGO India, and has taken over Mirchandani’s responsibilities.”

“Vivek is working closely with other Turner departments such as advertising sales, Cartoon Network Enterprises, programming and creative services to drive awareness and demand for Turner’s brands and properties as well as to drive initiatives to support revenue growth in India,” adds Misra.

With Nick (till recently Nickelodeon) coming on the One Alliance platform along with MTV Network, roping in Hejmadi clearly indicates that it means business. Does Turner view this as a threat? Misra replies, “As leaders in the kids' business, executives working with us would have gained a great amount of experience and it is part of the ebb and flow of business that some may chose to move on.”

As of now no one has stepped into Hejmadi’s shoes, “We are still looking for a suitable person and we will make an announcement shortly in regards to this,” informs Misra.